Enoshima [江の島] is a small island located in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Prefecture. The island is famous for its beaches, museums, caves, cats, and the beautiful views of Mount Fuji. It is known for its large bridge and for being the island of love locks.
Most of Enoshima is only accessible on foot or by boat. The island is connected to Japan by a bridge approximately 600 meters long. Many of the island’s attractions are at the top of a hill, but there are escalators to take you up the hill.
Table of Contents
Hill and Love Bell
At the highest point of the hill, there is a Tropical Botanical Garden and the Enoshima Observation Lighthouse. At the top of the hill, we have a 60-meter tall communication tower that served as a lighthouse.
The botanical garden on the hill is called Samuel Cocking Garden, named after a British merchant of the same name who arrived in Japan in 1860, married a Japanese woman, and bought the island.
Love Locks and Goddess Benzaiten
There is also the so-called Love Bell, where couples go, ring the bell together, and leave a lock with both their names attached to a fence. The island is known for the goddess of love Benzaiten, where there are 3 shrines dedicated to her.
The goddess Benzaiten created the island to trap a troublesome sea dragon, but she ends up falling in love. Therefore, she is associated as the goddess of love and also of music. In addition to the lock, they also place plaques there.
The locks usually have the couple’s name and the date of their relationship. The purpose of the lock is to secure their love and make it last a long time. A very popular spot among couples who want to show their commitment and eternal love.
Beaches and Coast
The beaches of Enoshima are part of Shonan, a collection of attractive large beaches near Yokohama. The beach not only attracts surfers due to its beautiful waves but also many windsurfers and kitesurfers because of the strong winds.
The southern coast of Enoshima is rugged, with steep cliffs that are continuously bombarded by large ocean waves. The locals enjoy fishing for fish and crabs that get trapped in tide pools on the rocks.
Enoshima Island also has a aquarium designed to reflect marine life in Sagami Bay. Popular animals include dolphins, penguins, and seals.
SPA Enospa
The island also has a large Resort Spa called Enospa. It is filled with pools, jacuzzis, onsen, and even mixed bathing. Some of the baths have a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. Another bath is inside an artificial cave.
Like any spa, you will find restaurants, shops, and services. The spa has a medicinal focus and has many doctors, nurses, and massage therapists. One of the pools overlooks the sea, and the entrance to the onsen typically costs around 3000 yen.
Iwaya Caves
The island also has 2 natural caves on the southern coast of the island, created by erosion caused by the sea over 6,000 years ago. They were designed to be comfortable for visits among couples and tourists.
The caves are popular because they are characterized by the myth that the Goddess Benzaiten battled and trapped a troublesome sea dragon in the depths of the island’s caves. The island is quite steep, but it is possible to do all the tours on foot.
Enoshima is a Cat Island
Cats began to dominate Enoshima around 1980, and it is unknown how. As expected, they became a major tourist attraction and are adored by locals and visitors. On the island, it is possible to donate money for food and spaying surgeries.
Most of the cats are not afraid of people because tourists and fishermen who love cats feed them. Cat lovers often visit them because the cats can be found all over the island. Ready to visit this Nekojima?
Videos of Enoshima
There are many other attractions to discover both on Enoshima Island and in Sagami Bay. This is just one of the thousands of islands and cities scattered throughout Japan. We recommend reading our article about various islands in Japan.
To finish, here are some videos so you can see some of the beauties and attractions of the island.
Leave a Reply